Caron speaks at gala
On Friday, Oct. 10 at the Marriott Hotel in South Portland, businesses, community and government leaders from across the state gathered to celebrate the Mitchell Institute and its scholarship achievements at the eighth annual Mitchell Institute Fall Gala. As of this year, more than 160 Aroostook County students have been recipients of Mitchell Scholarships.
Overall, the Mitchell Institute has awarded over $6 million in financial assistance to more than 1,500 Maine students since its inception.
The event recognized many important contributors and honored Mitchell Scholars from across the state of Maine. One of the Mitchell Scholars to address the audience was Robin Caron of Portage Lake. She is currently a medical student completing concurrent degree programs – a doctorate in osteopathic medicine and a masters of public health at the University of New England at Biddeford. Robin’s speech included a sincere appreciation of her northern Maine upbringing. She said that the county is where people are recognized not only for their hard work, but also for their endurance and commitment. Joining Robin at the microphone were the evenings’ keynote speakers Sen. George J. Mitchell, the Institute’s founder; and former Maine Gov. Angus King.
Robin was later honored with the Sen. George J. Mitchell Pioneer Scholar Award, recognizing a graduating or alumni Mitchell Scholar who possesses the qualities of leadership, character, and perseverance. Robin continues to be a shining example of the county’s work ethic since graduating top of her class at Ashland High School in 2003. She attended St. Joseph’s College, where she received her bachelor of science in only three years, graduating cum laude with a major in biology and minors in chemistry and math.
Robin has been very involved with the Mitchell Institute over the past five years, as well, and currently volunteers her time as vice chair of the Mitchell Institute Alumni Council.
Reunion held
On Aug. 20, eight members of Ashland Community High School’s 1948 graduating class met for their 60-year reunion. Classmates and their families gathered at the Pavilion at Portage Lakeside Cabins for an afternoon of reminiscing. An early dinner, served by Alcid and Laura Bouchard, was enjoyed by all.
Ski Club clean-up days set
The Ashland Cross Country Ski Club has scheduled two days for trail clean-up. The first will be Sunday, Nov. 16 at Ed Chase’s in Garfield. The second will be Sunday, Nov. 23 at Eddie Ouellett’s in Wrightville. Both events will start at noon. Please bring chain saws, loppers and necessary snacks. Many hands are needed to get the trails ready for the ski season. Hope to see you there.
Soccer season comes to an end
The community would like to thank the girls and boys soccer teams for entertaining us for the past three months. We have enjoyed watching you grow and consistently improve your game of soccer. Congratulations to the girls Varsity team for making it to the Eastern Maine Championship round. Even though Southern Aroostook came out on top in last Wednesday’s match-up, you are all winners in our eyes and we are very proud of you!
Project Graduation fund-raisers
A food sale to benefit Ashland’s 2009 Project Graduation will be held Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Ashland Food Mart. Ticket sales for your chance to win stove wood or wood pellets are also ongoing. For further information, contact John Casey at 435-2131.
Ashland Rotary Club Auction and Dinner
This year’s annual Rotary Club Auction will be held Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Ashland Community High School. A roast pork dinner and all the fixings will be prepared by the Ashland Eastern Star Chapter 99 and Pioneer Lodge Chapter 72. The meal will begin at 5 p.m. and the cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Following the dinner will be the auction at 6:30 p.m. Numbered ring boxes are being sold again this year and one lucky person will be announced as the winner of a sapphire and diamond ring (valued at $895) generously donated by Kathy Beaulier of Wilder’s Jewelry. Please see any Ashland Rotarian to purchase a number from one to 100 for $20 each. There is no limit to the amount of numbers you may purchase; however, it is best to buy early to insure that you get the number you want.
Come on out for a great dinner and night of fun. It is also a good chance to get a jumpstart on your Christmas shopping and support many local organizations, as well! Hope to see you there.
Kids Club news
Kids Club in Masardis will be Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m. The bus will leave the church at 5:30 p.m. and pick up those children who want to attend. Please be sure to call Cindy or the Rev. Donnie Morton at 435-6983 to make arrangements. For now, Kids Club will be held every other Thursday evening (excluding Thanksgiving). Those attending will be notified of any future changes.
Catholic Church sale and luncheon
The Lady of the Snow Sodality will sponsor the annual Christmas sale and luncheon at St. Mark’s Parish Saturday, Nov. 22. Shop a large selection of crafts, knit items, homemade goodies and a white elephant table from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The luncheon, consisting of beef stew, salmon chowder, chicken stew, warm biscuits and pies will run from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children. Tickets on a raffle will also be available to purchase.
Donation of uniforms welcomed
If you or anyone you know has Cub Scout uniforms that are no longer being used, we have kids that can benefit from them now. Please contact Linda Milligan at 227-9135 or Julie Graham-Berry at 435-7137. Thank you.
Ongoing Events
The Ashland Area Senior Citizens group meets every Thursday at noon at the Ashland Recreational Center. Any senior citizens wishing to participate in the potluck lunches and meetings are always welcome.
The Portage Lake Seniors’ Lunch is held on the last Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m. at the Town Hall. All seniors are invited to attend and can bring a potluck dish to share or give a cash donation. For more information, contact Wilza Robertson at 435-6211 or Grace Nason at 435-6373.
The Red Hat Loonies of Portage Lake meet the second Thursday of every month at Dean’s Motor Lodge. Membership dues are $2. Come and have a great meal and a great time, too! For more information, contact Rachel Stevens at 435-6358.
If you can help plan for Portage Lake’s Centennial Celebration, please contact Barb Pitcairn at 435-2368 or Grace Nason at 435-6373.
Ladies, are you interested in crafts or have some that you’ve started and just can’t seem to finish? If so, take yourself over to the Portage Lake Municipal Building for Girlz Night every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy the company and the satisfaction of finally completing a project!
(Julie Graham-Berry is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and surrounding townships. She can be reached at 435-7137).
